Tottenham Hotspur got their Europa League campaign off to a good start with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Qarabag FK in north London.
However, the game wasn’t as easy for Spurs as the scoreline suggests. Ange Postecoglou’s charges rode their luck at times against a dangerous opponent.
After a delayed kick-off due to Qarabag arriving late because of road problems in the area, Tottenham once again found themselves suffering an early setback.
Radu Dragusin was sent off in the seventh minute after losing the ball after some poor control and then bringing down Juninho as the last man.
However, as with Spurs’ last two games, they bounced back, with Brennan Johnson scoring his third goal in three games on 12 minutes.
Pape Matar Sarr then made it 2-0 early in the second half, volleying in off an opposition defender after the goalkeeper flapped at a corner.
Qarabag went on to win a penalty, only to miss from 12 yards out, before Tottenham made it 3-0 through Dominic Solanke’s second in two games.
Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke deemed ‘excellent’ with two 8/10s and a 9/10
As Spurs’ record signing, it wasn’t surprising to see media outlets and pundits putting pressure on Solanke from the off.
After finding his feet and recovering from a knock that caused him to miss two games, Solanke is now fully up and running with two goals in two games.
Here are what some media outlets said about Solanke’s display against Qarabag.
Football.london gave him an 8 out of 10, Alasdair Gold writing: “Showed his strength to win the ball and then assist Johnson for his early goal.
“Made it two goals in two games in following up Son’s saved effort.
“Looked knackered by the end but he proved to be a terrific focal point for the other nine men on his team. Goal and an assist on a good night for him.”
Likewise, the Evening Standard went with an 8 out of 10 rating as they wrote: “Finished with a poacher’s instinct to make it 3-0, and barely broke stride to set up Johnson’s goal with a well-weighted pass.
“His hold-up play and pressing was excellent.”
And 90Min went with a 9 out of 10 grade for the £90,000-a-week ace, writing: “An all-round performance from Tottenham’s new striker.
“Made another goal out of his pressing early doors for Johnson before reacting quickest to a loose ball to convert himself in the second half. Put in a hell of a shift off the ball.”
READ MORE: ‘Going to be a star’… Tottenham fans wowed by ‘exceptional’ youngster’s display in win over Qarabag
What next for Tottenham?
Tottenham are next in action on Sunday afternoon, heading to Manchester United for a Premier League encounter scheduled to kick off at 4:30pm BST.
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